Situated at 1,708 metres above sea level on the shore of beautiful Lake Awassa in the Great Rift Valley, the town of Awassa is a wildlife-watching destination in itself.
The town of Awassa lies on the shore of beautiful Lake Awassa in the Great Rift Valley and with a population of 250,000, the town serves as the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region. Lying on the Trans-African Highway, which runs between Cairo and Cape Town, Awassa sits at an elevation of 1,708 metres above sea level and is a popular stopover for those travelling between Addis Ababa and the Bale Mountains.
Driving through farmland and light acacia scrub along the Great Rift Valley en route to Awassa, are species including lilac-breasted and purple rollers, speckled and blue-naped mousebirds, Abyssinian ground hornbill, dark chanting goshawk, augur buzzard and many colourful starlings, including superb, greater blue-eared, wattled and Rüppell’s.
Wildlife highlights along the shore of Lake Awassa include great white pelican, African pygmy goose, white-backed duck, hippo and African fish eagle, as well as common birds such as white-faced whistling-duck, spur-winged lapwing and hamerkop.
Join award-winning environmental photojournalist and conservationist Ben Cherry on a trip through three unique locations in Ethiopia: the Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Bale Mountain National Park, and discover an entirely different take on African wildlife photography. Find out more about Ethiopia: A Unique Wonder
Ethiopia boasts a wide diversity of birds, mammals, landscapes and plants which is hardly matched in Africa. The birdlife is a mixture of East and West African and Palearctic elements, with over 800 species recorded, including 37 endemics and this trip explores its key wildlife sites. Find out more about Ethiopian Endemic Wildlife
Ethiopia offers a wonderful array of unique wildlife species. This suggested itinerary begins in the picturesque Simien Mountains where you can enjoy huge herds of charismatic gelada baboons and walia ibex, before travelling to the spectacular Bale Mountains, in search of the endangered Ethiopian wolf. Find out more about Wolves & Baboons of Ethiopia’s Highlands
Haile Resort offers en suite rooms with flat screen televisions, a minibar, fan and free Wi-Fi. With lakeside views of Lake Awassa and an outdoor swimming pool, other facilities include an ATM, currency exchange and 24-hour reception. The hotel has helpful staff and a luxurious feel. Find Out More about Haile Resort
